Kuala Lumpur: The eight teams in the East Zone will return for the second legs of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday and Wednesday with all eyes focused on a place in the last eight.
Jeju United and Kawasaki Frontale have commanding two-goal leads over Urawa Red Diamonds and Muangthong United, while Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG take slender one-goal advantages into away ties with Kashima Antlers and Jiangsu FC.
Kashima Antlers v Guangzhou Evergrande
Paulinho’s strike 15 minutes from time in the first leg ensured two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande travel to Japan on Tuesday with a one-goal lead to defend and should the Chinese outfit maintain their unbeaten run on the continent a quarter-final berth will be assured.
But Kashima Antlers have proven formidable in front of their own fans, winning three out of three and scoring nine in the process. The J.League side’s lack of an away goal adds pressure because, if they concede, a minimum of three goals will be required.
Kashima Antlers (JPN) v Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN)
Venue: Kashima Soccer Stadium, Ibaraki
Kick-off: May 30, 19:00 UTC+9
Kawasaki Frontale v Muangthong United
Muangthong United took a first-half lead in their maiden Round of 16 appearance but Kawasaki Frontale proved irresistible after the interval and scored thrice to leave themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
The hosts have not appeared in the last eight since 2009 but will be odds on favourites to progress ahead of Tuesday’s clash as Muangthong must score at least three away goals – a tough ask considering they recorded just one in three group stage games.
Kawasaki Frontale (JPN) v Muangthong United (THA)
Venue: Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium, Kawasaki
Kick-off: May 30, 19:00 UTC+9
Urawa Red Diamonds v Jeju United
Jeju United put in an excellent display in the first leg by dealing Urawa Red Diamonds their third defeat in four on the road as substitute Jin Seong-uk’s stoppage-time goal wrapped up a 2-0 victory.
Former champions Urawa must win 2-0 to force extra-time or by a three-goal margin to advance to the last eight for the first time since 2008, but a 100% home record on the continent and 12 goals scored should give the hosts confidence ahead of Wednesday’s encounter.
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) v Jeju United (KOR)
Venue: Saitama Stadium, Saitama
Kick-off: May 31, 19:30 UTC+9
Jiangsu FC v Shanghai SIPG
Expect drama in Nanjing as Jiangsu FC attempt to haul back a one-goal deficit against domestic rivals Shanghai SIPG after Odil Ahmedov’s first-leg winner handed Andre Villas-Boas’ men a 2-1 victory and a fourth home win on the bounce.
The visitors’ superb form going forward is somewhat hampered by indecision at the back, something that was evident in the first leg, while Jiangsu have won five from seven on the continent ahead of a match that is perhaps the toughest Round of 16 fixture to call.
Jiangsu FC (CHN) v Shanghai SIPG (CHN)
Venue: Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, Nanjing
Kick-off: May 31, 20:00 UTC+8
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com